Clinical Attachment

A clinical attachment is defined as a period when a doctor is attached to a clinical unit, with a named supervisor with the broad aims of gaining an appreciation of the nature of clinical practice in the UK and observing the role of the clinical team in the NHS. This includes learning about the legal, ethical and culture contact of clinical practice as outlined in the GMC’s booklet “Good Medical Practice”.

A clinical attachment allows an international medical graduate to gain an overview of medical processes and systems in the UK, specifically in the NHS, by observing a consultant in a relevant specialty at work. During the attachment, the doctor is not given any responsibility and is not able to make clinical decisions or give clinical advice.

Clinical attachments can provide two advantages to qualified overseas doctors.

  1. An attachment gives an insight into working within the NHS, and the UK medical, legal and cultural traditions.
  2. An attachment is the only way overseas qualified doctors (especially refugees) can get a UK consultant reference, which is almost essential for getting a job.

To apply for a clinical attachment, the below criteria must be met.

  • They should not have had a clinical attachment placement or worked in the NHS previously
  • Have passed both PLAB 1 & 2.
  • Have passed all parts of IELTS at 7.0 or above for EU / non-EU doctors.
  • Be a resident within the West Midlands area at all times of placement.
  • Have graduated no more than 4 years ago.
  • Have a standard visitor’s visa in place
  • Have 2 references from healthcare professionals
  • Have a current enhanced DBS or a letter of good standing.

Applicants must email directly to the lead clinician of their chosen specialty, requesting a potential attachment, including a CV, a list of clinicians can be found on the Trust website.

Should the applicant be accepted by the clinician, they will be referred to the placement team, by the clinician who in turn will contact the candidate via email to commence the application process.

Candidates are only processed if directly referred to the team by a lead clinician.

The application process takes 8 – 12 weeks to complete and notification of completion of the process will be sent to candidate and clinician, prior to the commencement of the attachment.

The length of the attachment may vary and will be determined by the clinician supervising. Attachments will last no longer than 12 weeks in total, no new applications by the individual will be accepted for 6 months following the completion of the attachment.

Clinical attachments will be limited to one person per specialty at any one time, and no new applications will be processed between June and October.

The department reserves the right to escalate applicants to a senior supervising clinician for review of their application prior to the commencement of the application process, if the candidate’s individual circumstance dictates following the completion of the model declaration form.

For further information please contact:-